Juanes and YOLA at EXPO Chamber Orchestra Open the Show, followed by Juanes’ Performance with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by conductor Thomas Wilkins

YOLA at EXPO Chamber Orchestra is part of the LA Phil’s Youth Orchestra L.A. Initiative

Concerts Conclude with Fireworks Display

Friday, August 17, 2012 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 8 p.m.

Tickets On Sale Now

Generously sponsored by: Heineken (8/17), Macy’s (8/18)

Colombian superstar Juanes makes his Hollywood Bowl headlining debut in two very special performances on August 17 and 18, joining the LA Phil’s YOLA at EXPO Chamber Orchestra in a special set that opens both programs. In the second half of the concert (in his first-ever appearance with a full orchestra), Juanes will perform his most beloved hits and new songs with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by conductor Thomas Wilkins.

Juanes’ performances are part of Americas & Americans, Gustavo Dudamel’s first festival at the Hollywood Bowl – a new edition of the boundary-breaking festival first presented during his inaugural 2009/10 season at Walt Disney Concert Hall. It embodies Dudamel’s vision of one American culture and unity across continents.

Through Gustavo Dudamel's Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) program – inspired by Venezuela's groundbreaking El Sistema – the LA Phil and its community partners provide free instruments, intensive music training, and academic support to students from underserved neighborhoods, enabling every child to contribute using their full potential. The first project of YOLA - the YOLA program at EXPO Center, part of Exposition Park in South L.A. and in partnership with the Harmony Project - has grown to include three orchestras, a preschool program, mentorship, group lessons, chamber music and parent ensembles. The program serves hundreds of students who attend four days each week. In addition, students perform annually at Walt Disney Concert Hall and have appeared multiple times on the iconic stage of the Hollywood Bowl.

The YOLA at EXPO Chamber Orchestra is comprised of students who represent YOLA’s most technically advanced musicians and the program’s exemplary peer leaders. Their performance with Juanes will mark the fourth time that a YOLA ensemble has performed at the Bowl.

With six solo albums to his credit and multi-platinum sales of over 15 million copies, Juanes is the world’s leading all-Spanish-language rock artist - both a Grammy and 17-time Latin Grammy winner with eight #1 singles on Billboard’s “Hot Latin Songs” chart. Juanes is also frequently recognized as one of the Spanish-speaking world’s leading social media voices with an online following of over 9 million fans. The Colombian superstar’s dedication as a global activist also extends far beyond his passionate lyrics and is seen in his wide ranging charitable work for his own Mi Sangre Foundation and as a co-founder of the "Paz sin Fronteras" (Peace Without Borders) organization - which utilizes music to unite populaces regardless of political or geographic divides and advocate that all people are entitled to the basic human right of peace.

Recorded during a special evening at the Frank Gehry designed New World Symphony space in Miami, JUANES MTV Unplugged was released on May 29th of this year and quickly debuted at #1 on Billboard’s “Top Latin Albums” chart and in 18 countries throughout Latin America. The CD/DVD finds Juanes collaborating with Latin music legend Juan Luis Guerra, who acted as music director, and sharing duets with special guests Joaquín Sabina and Paula Fernándes. The album’s first single “La Señal” has likewise reached #1 on the “Hot Latin Songs” chart, giving Juanes the 8th #1 song of his career.

Tickets ($11 - $128) are on sale now at HollywoodBowl.com, by calling 323.850.2000, in person at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office (Tuesday–Saturday, 12–6 p.m.), or through Ticketmaster. Groups of 10 or more may call 323.850.2050 for information about special rates, subject to availability.